Prediction: Slovakia vs Portugal

Verdict: Cristiano Ronaldo to score

Best odds: 5/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

This top-of-the-table clash between Slovakia and Portugal in Euro 2024 qualifying Group J is set to be an interesting encounter, played at the Tehelne Pole stadium in Bratislava on Friday evening.

Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, have started their campaign with an impressive 4 wins from 4 matches, claiming all 12 points. On the other hand, Slovakia are just two points behind, making this fixture crucial for them to close the gap and potentially take the top spot.

Slovakia

Slovakia has started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in a positive manner, securing four wins and a draw in their first five matches. This impressive run has placed them in a strong position in Group J, currently sitting in the second qualifying spot, three points clear of third-placed Luxembourg.

While their victories over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, and Liechtenstein may not have been the most convincing, the ability to grind out results and maintain a seven-game unbeaten streak showcases their resilience and determination.

Head coach Francesco Calzona will be focused on securing the necessary points to ensure Slovakia’s qualification for the European Championship, and their recent defensive solidity, with four consecutive clean sheets in European qualifying contests, bodes well for their campaign.

Maintaining consistency and avoiding any slips will be crucial for Slovakia as they aim to secure their place in the finals, but they will be aware that they now face a truly formidable opponent.

Team News

Slovakia’s squad for the upcoming fixtures remains largely consistent with previous selections. Key players like Milan Skriniar and Martin Dubravka are expected to anchor the defense, providing stability at the back.

Juraj Kucka, who continues to excel with Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava, is on the verge of winning his 100th cap, a testament to his enduring quality in midfield. Stanislav Lobotka, who plays for Napoli, is another crucial component of the midfield.

However, Slovakia will miss the services of legendary midfielder Marek Hamsik, who has recently retired from international football. His absence leaves a significant void in the midfield.

Robert Mak, who has scored 15 international goals, is set to occupy the left-wing position. Meanwhile, striker David Strelec will likely find himself among the reserves for this particular fixture.

Portugal

If Slovakia impressed at the start of the campaign, Portugal have obviously done even better so far, and they’ll be eager to show the difference in quality between these teams on Friday. They are yet to concede a goal, and that defensive achievement is matched only by France and Hungary in the UEFA region for the time being. Only England have done better at the other end of the pitch, scoring one goal more than Portugal’s 14.

Roberto Martinez’s team boasts a number of players of star quality, such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao, and others, but all eyes will likely be on the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo as the veteran seeks to extend his record of 123 international goals, the last of which brought a tough 0-1 victory away to Iceland in the previous round.

Qualifying for the upcoming Euros obviously won’t be enough for Ronaldo and his teammates – they will do what they can to go all the way through if possible and lift the trophy, which is what they did in 2016.

Team News

Ronaldo, at the age of 38, continues to lead the national team as captain. He enters this international break in fine form, having already scored six goals and provided four assists in his first four league games with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season. Ronaldo remains a pivotal figure for Portugal.

Otavio and Ruben Neves, both playing in the Saudi Pro League, have also earned call-ups to the squad. Additionally, two uncapped players, Jose Sa from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Toti Gomes, have been included. However, Matheus Nunes, who recently completed his transfer to Manchester City, is notably absent.

At the back, Portugal will be without key players like Raphael Guerreiro, Nuno Mendes, and veteran centre-back Pepe. Benfica’s Rafa Silva and Joao Mario have retired from international duty.

Conclusion

Both these teams have proven they know how to defend, but while Portugal have an extremely formidable attacking section, Slovakia rather lack in that department. It’s likely to prove a crucial aspect of this contest.

Verdict: Cristiano Ronaldo to score

Best odds: 5/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet